As the holy month of Ramadan nears its end, preparations for Eid ul-Fitr have begun across India. After weeks of fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, families are getting ready to welcome one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. Markets are busy, homes are preparing for festive meals, and many are waiting for the final confirmation of the festival’s date.
Despite the excitement, the exact day of Eid is still not confirmed. The date depends on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
When is Eid ul-Fitr expected in 2026?
In India, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on either March 20 or March 21, 2026. The final date will depend on whether the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal is sighted.
If the moon is visible on the evening of March 19, Eid will be celebrated the next day on March 20. If it is not seen, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will be observed on March 21.
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According to the International Astronomical Centre, Ramadan began in India on February 19. Based on lunar calculations, there is a possibility that the moon may be visible on March 19. However, the official announcement will be made only after sunset once religious scholars and local moon-sighting committees confirm the sighting.
Why does the date change every year?
Eid does not have a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. A lunar year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year.
As a result, Islamic festivals shift earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. This is why the exact date of Eid is confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted at the end of Ramadan.
Chand Raat and festive preparations
The evening when the new moon is spotted is known as Chand Raat. In cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Mumbai, the night brings lively scenes in markets and shopping areas.
People step out to buy clothes, sweets and jewellery. Women and children gather to apply mehendi designs, while shops remain open late into the night.
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How Eid is celebrated
Eid begins with the special congregational prayer known as Salat al-Eid, held at mosques and open grounds called Idgahs.
Before the prayer, Muslims give Zakat-ul-Fitr, a form of charity meant to support those in need, so everyone can join the celebration. After prayers, people greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” and visit relatives and friends.
Homes prepare festive dishes, especially seviyan, a sweet vermicelli dessert that is widely associated with Eid celebrations in India. For many children, the day also brings Eid ul-Fitr, small gifts or money given by elders.
As March 19 approaches, people across the country will look toward the evening sky. The sighting of the crescent moon will mark the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid celebrations.
